Chapter One

Friday, 13^th November 2015.

I walked quickly along the sidewalk. Well, as quickly as I could in the pair of red heels I had specifically purchased for the occasion that night. I cast a wary glance at the slouched, hooded figure of a man who stood a little way off, my heart pounded against my rib cage with fear. When I caught up to him, I saw he had a questioning look on his face, like I was lost, crazy or something.

But how could I blame him?

After all, I was the one walking home at midnight, dressed in an elaborate evening gown and as I stumbled down the road in ridiculously high heels. It was the third time a person had given me that same look like I had a neon sign flashing over my head that attracted attention. The mascara stains from my tears that evening also didn’t help the situation.

I sighed in relief when I saw the familiar building ahead of me, I was so close to home where I could finally get some sleep and forget all about the horrid night I had. It was a long walk home and my feet ached mercilessly. I got a couple offers for a ride home but there was no way was I wanted to take my chance with these creeps. One can never be too careful these days. Of course, I rejected the first guy who had stopped and asked me if I was available for the night and how much I cost. I just stood there, appalled.

Did I look like a prostitute?

After I gave him a very detailed piece of my mind, he drove away so fast his tires left skid marks on the road. I also rejected the second offer because it was from the very reason for my current state of misery. I stiffened when I heard the familiar engine and tried to walk faster only to slow down again when my ankle twisted on a loose pebble. The vehicle slowed down to a halt beside me.

"Eni, come on, It's late. Let me at least drop you off at home," Akin said as he leaned out the window of his Prado car.

I remembered that I once felt so happy when I rode in it, me in the passenger seat with him at the steering wheel. At the time, I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world.

I glanced at him once before I hissed loud enough for him to hear. He didn't even have the decency to leave the other woman behind. There she was, beside him in the passenger seat as she watched the whole scenario play out. It was obvious she found it entertaining.

I shook my head. So I had been reduced to free entertainment for her?

"Akin, do us both a favour and leave me alone." I snapped my gaze forward. I planned to simply ignore him, yet I could not even succeed at such a simple task. 

"What would your parents say?" He sounded tired.

I glanced at him and scoffed in disbelief. He had the nerve to bring my family into this. Did he think of what they would say before he embarrassed me and brought the woman into the picture?

"My parents would have a few choice words to say to you. Lots of colourful insults and curses might also be involved when they find out you were just cheating all along.”

"Please Eni, just let me drop you at home and we will sort this whole thing out tomorrow. What do you say?"

"I say," I leaned towards the car window. "Stay the hell away from me."

I straightened up and continued the walk towards my house, satisfied that I had the last word. I didn't even turn to look when the Prado picked up speed and zoomed past me. Its red tail lights glowed visibly in the dark.

I sighed in relief as I dug out my keys from my clutch bag and unlocked the gate that led to the compound. My house was more of a guest house or boys’ quarters really. I made sure I locked it behind me because security was very important, especially at night, although my actions earlier didn't exactly preach it. Immediately I stepped in through the door, I tossed my shoes into a corner. They weren't so loved right now. I rubbed my feet as I walked and stretched my toes to help ease the pain. The thought of a warm, refreshing shower before bed helped to calm me down.

I whispered a quick prayer to God for delivering me from shady-looking street urchins before I reached behind me for the zip of my gown to undress. The zip was halfway down my back when I noticed the figure on my sofa and let out a blood-curdling scream.

The figure rolled off the sofa and fell on the floor with a loud thud.

When I recognized her, I instantly released the breath I held and sank unto the nearest surface while she got to her feet.

"Why would you scare me like that?" My sister, Laide, groaned. Her eyes held an accusing look.

"What do you mean?" I retorted. "I'm the one who came home to find someone sleeping in my house, on my sofa. What are you doing here, Laide?"

I crossed my arms and waited expectantly for her response.